Why We Invested In Cluely

a16z Podcast

a16z

Science, Innovation, Business, Entrepreneurship, Culture, Disruption, Software Eating The World, Technology

4.4 • 1.1K Ratings

🗓️ 21 June 2025

⏱️ 12 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

In this episode, a16z general partner Bryan Kim joins TBPN hosts John Coogan and Jordi Hays to discuss the recent launch of Cluely , a consumer AI product. The conversation covers early traction, evaluating distribution and momentum, and how investors assess go-to-market strategies in emerging AI applications.

Transcript

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0:00.0	I have a saying where momentum is a mode today in this sort of an era of AI applications.
0:07.0	And when I say momentum is a mode, I don't mean just distribution.
0:09.9	I also mean product iteration.
0:12.0	And so the calculated risk here is that Roy can convert this awareness into people clamoring to work at the company that are highly high and exceptional, great people to build products,
0:23.2	and then use that to continue to iterate on innovation on the product format that is already amazing.
0:29.5	Yesterday, A16Z partner Brian Kim joined TBPN with host John and Jordy.
0:34.2	The discussion centers on Cluelly, an AI product has generated significant attention online.
0:39.1	Brian shares his perspective on the decision to invest, how he evaluates early traction and
0:43.2	distribution, and what he looks for when backing founders with unconventional go-to-market
0:46.8	strategies. Let's get into it. As a reminder, the content here is for informational purposes
0:53.0	only. Should not be taken as legal business, tax, or investment advice, or be used to evaluate
0:57.9	any investment or security, and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any
1:02.7	A16Z fund.
1:04.4	Please note that A16Z and its affiliates may also maintain investments in the companies
1:07.9	discussed in this podcast.
1:09.6	For more details, including a link to our
1:11.5	investments, please see A16Z.com forward slash disclosures. Brian, welcome to the studio. How you doing? Good to meet you.
1:24.4	Good to meet you. Great to be here. Thanks, John. Thanks, Jordy. Your notifications must be crazy right now.
1:30.2	Cluelly, you guys decided, hey, Friday, let's throw it out.
1:33.5	That's right.
1:34.5	Nobody's crazy to launch.
1:36.2	Everyone's going to going on a weekend.
	...

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